Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My neighborhood of 12 homes is supported by 17 utility poles and 7 transformers (which sum to 170-195 kVA). As near as I can tell the utility pole was introduced in 1920 when there was one home, and as homes were added (mostly between 1954 and 1962) they were all built by individual builders, so no developer put in infrastructure for underground utilities. The utility poles are unsightly and vulnerable to weather and traffic accidents. Sometimes the pole mounted transformers cause fires with the trees. It's very unusual in our township to have residential utilities above ground.
The development next door has eleven 75kVA transformers for 55 homes and all utilities are underground. I was wondering if it would be theoretically possible to dig a trench from the nearest of these 75 kVA transformers and run a 7200 volt line to a single 150 kVA or 225 kVA transformer in the middle of our 12 homes, and then run underground 480v lines to each of the homes?
As a secondary question the 12 homes are about 700' apart at their furthest, so the 480V lines would have to be up to 350'-400' long. That does sound a little long for drop lines. However, I don't know what is the maximum distance.
Why not just call the local power company and speak to one of the engineers about your hypothetical inquiry?
I have, but they just want a lot of money to do a proposal. I was hoping someone in an open forum would know of a 225kVA transformer that runs their entire residential block or apartment building. I've seen them outside of office buildings.
That is probably the best answer one can expect to get from an open forum. But my limited experience, I only see up to 75 kVA transformers in residential areas.
I have, but they just want a lot of money to do a proposal.
OK. Pay for the proposal and you'll have your answer!
One thing you might want to think about- it's easier and less expensive to replace one 75kwa transformer than the larger; and less residences are disturbed by the interruption.
You aren't going to find your answers in any forum. The answer will be based on very specific information about your house and neighborhood so you should call the local electric utility.
One thing you might want to think about- it's easier and less expensive to replace one 75kwa transformer than the larger; and less residences are disturbed by the interruption.
That seems like very practical advice. I don't see any residential transformers around her over 75kWA. I suspect the distance between the houses is too large for drop lines as well.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
